Asian Junkie Asian pop. Without discretion.
As is typical with Big Hit-related groups, rookies ENHYPEN are following up their title track Given-Taken with a music video for another song from their album. If it were me, I would have chosen to promote 10 Months, but I’m clearly not in charge here. Instead, the video for the mysteriously-titled Let Me In (20 Cube) has been unveiled. Despite a lighthearted sound, the song is paired with imagery seeking to further the “lore” surrounding ENHYPEN’s story. Honestly, I think Let Me In would have been better served by a simple, fun mv.
Anyways, this isn’t a video review site, so let’s talk about the music. Let me In has a reggae-inspired beat, though it’s filtered through the Big Hit machine and given a generic K-pop makeover. Still, I appreciate how the groove stays relatively consistent all the way through, pounding forward with single-minded purpose. Coupled with a simple melody, the track is catchy from the get-go. It’s all a little one-note for me, but moments of personality poke through in between the tight structure.
My biggest gripe with Let Me In has to do with the vocals. As usual, they’re processed to death, but that’s not surprising. I’m more concerned about how every member seems to sound identical. My favorite boy groups of this era (Golden Child) and years past (Infinite, SHINee) showcase a diverse set of tones and styles. You can easily discern who’s singing what, and that brings great texture and dynamism to their music. Let Me In might as well have been performed by a soloist. Rather than draw out the unique qualities of each member, the track paints their voices with the same brush. It all ends up sounding mushy and unmemorable, and that’s a shame.
